Forestry Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Job Overview:
The Forestry Specialist position is situated within the Forest Monitoring and Data Platforms team of the Forestry Division (NFO) at FAO. The primary function of this role is to support FAO member countries in enhancing their forest monitoring capabilities, which is crucial for developing reliable information that informs national policies related to forest and land use. The specialist will play a vital role in the Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of forest-related emissions and removals, contributing to the global efforts in combating climate change. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including country offices and technical advisors, to ensure effective implementation of forest monitoring strategies. The specialist will also be responsible for analyzing data related to forest area changes and emissions, which will be used for international reporting under frameworks such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The overall goal is to enhance the capacity of countries to report on their forest-related activities and access climate finance through initiatives like the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Forestry Specialist include providing technical advice to countries on MRV for TFFF and forest-related emissions and removals. The specialist will assist in creating guidance materials to build MRV/TFFF capacity, such as e-learning courses and gap assessment tools. They will inform countries about TFFF requirements and assist in the assessment of tropical moist forest areas, deforestation, and fire-degraded areas. The specialist will also support countries in understanding MRV requirements for carbon accounting standards and help with the submission of monitoring reports. Conducting MRV and TFFF gap assessments, analyzing activity data from satellite monitoring systems, and supporting the implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) in the forest and land use sector are also key responsibilities. Additionally, the specialist will organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and technical training sessions, coordinating with relevant FAO units as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications to be considered for the position. For consultants, an advanced university degree in forestry, environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related field is required, with a bachelor's degree necessitating two additional years of relevant professional experience. For Personal Services Agreements (PSAs), a university degree in the same fields is required. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in forest monitoring, climate-related forestry issues, and estimating greenhouse gas emissions from forests, particularly in the context of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as forestry, environmental sciences, or natural resource management. For those applying as consultants with a bachelor's degree, two additional years of relevant professional experience are necessary. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of forest monitoring and climate change.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in forest monitoring, climate change, and estimating greenhouse gas emissions from forests. Candidates should have a strong background in Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) processes, particularly in relation to international climate agreements and standards. Experience working with developing countries is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate the unique challenges faced by these nations in forest management and climate reporting.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English, French, or Spanish is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with international stakeholders and member countries. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse teams and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed based on their ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. The role may involve international travel to support capacity-building activities in various countries. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, ensuring that the selected candidate is adequately supported in their role.